From Beale Street To Oblivion - Clutch

...their lyrics, which cover everything from driving across to the States to imagining God meeting the devil.
“You can’t stop progress” is all about trying not to behave badly: “Yes, I’ll be a responsible member / of this great and bless’d society / I’ve come to understand the wrongful nature / of gun ownership” but goes on to talk abut getting compensation “legally, legal-ish, or otherwise”.
“Power player” is all about being a rock star ...
...you attitude / I just want another drink”, while “The devil and me” is all about God and the bad guy meeting face to face (and also supplies the album title): “The devil and me, bad blood and beef / An undisciplined child, a liar and a thief / It’s a low down shame, we were the best of friends”.
“White’s ferry” meanwhile is all about driving to a ferry and “child of the city” about Johannes Trithemius, a magician; “Rapture of Riddley Walker” ... more

I didn't know much about Clutch before buying this. This is the first of their albums I’ve heard and it’s good in a straightforward kind of way. It’s loud but blues-based and very southern boogie influenced: Lyn-ryrd Skynyrd meet Motorhead by way of Queens of the Stone Age / Kyuss.
Fans of the band, apparently previously famed for their hard stoner rock, claim on the internet that the new album never really gets going and lacks power; bad news for them but probably better news for anyone who likes gritty rock fuelled blues.
Musically, it’s got tight, driving drums, big bass lines and some great stoner rock riffs, with macho tuneful vocals. Lyrically, it’s interesting; Clutch seem to have a reputation for their lyrics, which cover everything from driving across to the States to imagining God meeting the devil.
“You can’t stop progress” is all about trying not to behave badly: “Yes, I’ll be a responsible member / of this great and bless’d society / I’ve come to understand the wrongful nature / of gun ownership” but goes on to talk abut getting compensation “legally, legal-ish, or otherwise”.
“Power player” is all about being a rock star flying in first class with the suits: “I’m not giving you attitude / I just want another drink”, while “The devil and me” is all about God and the bad guy meeting face to face (and also supplies the album title): “The devil and me, bad blood and beef / An undisciplined child, a liar and a thief / It’s a low down shame, we were the best of friends”.
“White’s ferry” meanwhile is all about driving to a ferry and “child of the city” about Johannes Trithemius, a magician; “Rapture of Riddley Walker” is based on a post-apocalytic novel. “Black umbrella” is about a betting shop (so weird it was like “Mos Eisley spaceport”) while “Mr Shiny Caddylackness” dwells on politics. Good, if you like loud, hard rock/blues with slightly confrontational lyrics. 

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